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Style is not measured in square feet. So no matter how small your space, opt for a look that's powerhouse – not poky. We've rounded up some of our go-to upgrades, from graphic wall treatments and riveting patterns to big-scale furniture and bold colour. While tailored to small living rooms, they work for floor spaces of any size. Which will you steal? Check out these very small living room ideas to help you decide!
Living Rooms
20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to Steal
April 16, 2019
Style is not measured in square feet. So no matter how small your space, opt for a look that's powerhouse – not poky. We've rounded up some of our go-to upgrades, from graphic wall treatments and riveting patterns to big-scale furniture and bold colour. While tailored to small living rooms, they work for floor spaces of any size. Which will you steal? Check out these very small living room ideas to help you decide!
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Let the Sunshine in
1/20Let the Sunshine in
1/20Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn Source: laurenkolyn.com
You can pack a lot into any living space, and this design illustrates how seamlessly it can all come together. From its vibrant blue fireplace and different coloured couches (with plenty of throw pillows!), some of the best <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/living-room-design-secrets-1919733/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">very small living room ideas</a> incorporate plenty of potted plants and creative flourishes such as the wicker swing chair. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/living-room-design-secrets-1919733/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">12 Designer Secrets That Will Make Your Living Room Look Collected (Not Cluttered)</a>Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealLet the Sunshine in
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -You can pack a lot into any living space, and this design illustrates how seamlessly it can all come together. From its vibrant blue fireplace and different coloured couches (with plenty of throw pillows!), some of the best <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/living-room-design-secrets-1919733/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">very small living room ideas</a> incorporate plenty of potted plants and creative flourishes such as the wicker swing chair. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/living-room-design-secrets-1919733/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">12 Designer Secrets That Will Make Your Living Room Look Collected (Not Cluttered)</a>Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn Source: laurenkolyn.com
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Greenhouse Effect
2/20Greenhouse Effect
2/20Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn Source: laurenkolyn.com
We love the greenhouse feel of this space, right down to its dark green hardwood floors. This pristine, petite living room has plenty of natural light, too, which is perfect for a variety of potted plants that add to the overall outdoorsy feel. Patterned couch pillows and kids' art on the wall offsets the all-white look of this enchanting living room. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/20-plants-that-will-improve-the-air-quality-in-your-home-1901078/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Plants That Will Improve the Air Quality in Your Home</a>Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealGreenhouse Effect
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -We love the greenhouse feel of this space, right down to its dark green hardwood floors. This pristine, petite living room has plenty of natural light, too, which is perfect for a variety of potted plants that add to the overall outdoorsy feel. Patterned couch pillows and kids' art on the wall offsets the all-white look of this enchanting living room. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/20-plants-that-will-improve-the-air-quality-in-your-home-1901078/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Plants That Will Improve the Air Quality in Your Home</a>Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn Source: laurenkolyn.com
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Stay Neutral
3/20Stay Neutral
3/20Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
The soothing neutral colours of this <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/living-room-shelving-ideas-1919652/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">small living room design</a> creates a cozy, welcoming ambiance. A single tall potted plant and art pieces on the wall provide a gentle pop of colour. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/grey-living-room-design-ideas-1918870/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Grey Living Room Ideas That Are Anything But Dull</a>Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealStay Neutral
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -The soothing neutral colours of this <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/living-room-shelving-ideas-1919652/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">small living room design</a> creates a cozy, welcoming ambiance. A single tall potted plant and art pieces on the wall provide a gentle pop of colour. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/grey-living-room-design-ideas-1918870/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Grey Living Room Ideas That Are Anything But Dull</a>Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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Flashes of Colour
4/20Flashes of Colour
4/20Photo Credit: Lauren Miller Source: lauren-miller.com
This all-white <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/inside-the-most-serene-living-room-in-canada-1900633/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">small living room design</a> embraces flashes of colour in subtle ways, such as with the ornamental vase in the brick fireplace and patterned square ottoman. The large rustic mirror makes the room feel bigger. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/minimalist-living-room-ideas-that-prove-less-is-more-1924527/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Minimalist Living Room Ideas That Prove Less is More</a>Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealFlashes of Colour
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -This all-white <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/inside-the-most-serene-living-room-in-canada-1900633/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">small living room design</a> embraces flashes of colour in subtle ways, such as with the ornamental vase in the brick fireplace and patterned square ottoman. The large rustic mirror makes the room feel bigger. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/minimalist-living-room-ideas-that-prove-less-is-more-1924527/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Minimalist Living Room Ideas That Prove Less is More</a>Photo Credit: Lauren Miller Source: lauren-miller.com
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This Little Light of Mine
5/20This Little Light of Mine
5/20Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
Unique lamps and light fixtures can transform a small space into something eye-catching. The arching reach of this lamp helps the space feel larger than it actually is while also drawing guest's eyes to the variety of potted plants on the window sill and artwork behind the couch. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/lighting-trends-transform-a-room-1917503/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">8 Coolest Lighting Trends That Will Transform Any Room</a>Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealThis Little Light of Mine
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -Unique lamps and light fixtures can transform a small space into something eye-catching. The arching reach of this lamp helps the space feel larger than it actually is while also drawing guest's eyes to the variety of potted plants on the window sill and artwork behind the couch. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/lighting-trends-transform-a-room-1917503/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">8 Coolest Lighting Trends That Will Transform Any Room</a>Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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Party of Four
6/20Party of Four
6/20Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
Before we take in the inviting display on the floating shelves, let's focus on this sofa. Like many that are vintage, it features four seat cushions. These create an elongated silhouette, which a two-seater simply could not. They also form a bit of a visual trick: if this small space can fit such a long sofa, maybe it isn't so small. The white-on-white shelves above it are styled with vibrant artwork and match the length of the sofa to subtly reinforce the roomy effect. Here's an inside look at <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/hand-painted-murals-and-kaleidoscopic-doors-transform-this-sunny-house-1908089/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this rainbow-bright home</a>.Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealParty of Four
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -Before we take in the inviting display on the floating shelves, let's focus on this sofa. Like many that are vintage, it features four seat cushions. These create an elongated silhouette, which a two-seater simply could not. They also form a bit of a visual trick: if this small space can fit such a long sofa, maybe it isn't so small. The white-on-white shelves above it are styled with vibrant artwork and match the length of the sofa to subtly reinforce the roomy effect. Here's an inside look at <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/hand-painted-murals-and-kaleidoscopic-doors-transform-this-sunny-house-1908089/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this rainbow-bright home</a>.Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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Between the Lines
7/20Between the Lines
7/20Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Sometimes there's just no way around a small space. So rather than trying to disguise it, why not celebrate it? Some small living room ideas include big, colourful stripes that pack a graphic punch that's bold and dramatic. Funnily enough, it also creates an expansive effect (just imagine solid-coloured walls here and the look becomes claustrophobic). The furniture in complementary neutral shades is key as it shifts eyes to the walls, where the standout stripes keep them moving.Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealBetween the Lines
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -Sometimes there's just no way around a small space. So rather than trying to disguise it, why not celebrate it? Some small living room ideas include big, colourful stripes that pack a graphic punch that's bold and dramatic. Funnily enough, it also creates an expansive effect (just imagine solid-coloured walls here and the look becomes claustrophobic). The furniture in complementary neutral shades is key as it shifts eyes to the walls, where the standout stripes keep them moving.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Green Space
8/20Green Space
8/20Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn Source: laurenkolyn.com
How's this for a small living room idea? It may seem counter intuitive, but placing a large, dark piece of furniture at the end of a narrow white room actually makes the space seem bigger. Here, a vintage sofa in a look-at-me shade of green feels bold and inviting against all-white walls. Its colour and scale draw the eye away from the room's narrow dimensions, showcasing the pretty bay window and extending the view out to the leafy street.Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealGreen Space
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -How's this for a small living room idea? It may seem counter intuitive, but placing a large, dark piece of furniture at the end of a narrow white room actually makes the space seem bigger. Here, a vintage sofa in a look-at-me shade of green feels bold and inviting against all-white walls. Its colour and scale draw the eye away from the room's narrow dimensions, showcasing the pretty bay window and extending the view out to the leafy street.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn Source: laurenkolyn.com
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Form a Pattern
9/20Form a Pattern
9/20Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Pattern and texture transform tiny to terrific in this small living room. On their own, these bold accessories in shades of emerald and turquoise would shine – combined they become a beacon of inspiration. The clever use of print and stripes on the drapes draws the eye upward and frames the view out to the street. The artwork's bold brushstrokes continue that energy on a windowless wall, and the cushions and ottoman are visual magnets. The takeaway? Mix vibrant patterns with abandon, but make sure they share a colour palette for impact that's cohesive, not complicated.Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealForm a Pattern
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -Pattern and texture transform tiny to terrific in this small living room. On their own, these bold accessories in shades of emerald and turquoise would shine – combined they become a beacon of inspiration. The clever use of print and stripes on the drapes draws the eye upward and frames the view out to the street. The artwork's bold brushstrokes continue that energy on a windowless wall, and the cushions and ottoman are visual magnets. The takeaway? Mix vibrant patterns with abandon, but make sure they share a colour palette for impact that's cohesive, not complicated.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Abstract Expansionism
10/20Abstract Expansionism
10/20Photo Credit: Mike CaringiSource: 5ive15ifteen.com
Abstract artwork makes a big statement in <a href="https://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/tour-the-fresh-and-inviting-home-of-toronto-designer-tiffany-leigh-1900634/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">designer Tiffany Leigh's small living room</a>. Positioned above the sofa and beside the entry to the dining area, it defines the living room as a stellar space that holds its own in the open floor plan. Given that, there is nice continuity between the two areas thanks to the natural materials used in the cane-sided armchair and the bamboo dining chairs.Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealAbstract Expansionism
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -Abstract artwork makes a big statement in <a href="https://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/tour-the-fresh-and-inviting-home-of-toronto-designer-tiffany-leigh-1900634/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">designer Tiffany Leigh's small living room</a>. Positioned above the sofa and beside the entry to the dining area, it defines the living room as a stellar space that holds its own in the open floor plan. Given that, there is nice continuity between the two areas thanks to the natural materials used in the cane-sided armchair and the bamboo dining chairs.Photo Credit: Mike CaringiSource: 5ive15ifteen.com
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Wall Space
11/20Wall Space
11/20Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Many might be tempted to place this two-seat sofa on the longer wall beneath the circular artwork, but we love how the homeowners positioned it here on the half wall. It makes this small space look intentional, rather than left over or tiny by default, and establishes an inviting vibe. The sofa also demarcates a proper seating area in the open-plan layout, and the artwork above it echoes the mood. We love how it and the tabletop introduce curves into this linear small living room.Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealWall Space
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -Many might be tempted to place this two-seat sofa on the longer wall beneath the circular artwork, but we love how the homeowners positioned it here on the half wall. It makes this small space look intentional, rather than left over or tiny by default, and establishes an inviting vibe. The sofa also demarcates a proper seating area in the open-plan layout, and the artwork above it echoes the mood. We love how it and the tabletop introduce curves into this linear small living room.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Angle Shot
12/20Angle Shot
12/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG PhotoSource: www.dsgphoto.com
While not especially small, this small living room is tricky space-wise thanks to its bank of glass doors and windows on an angled wall. An ingenious way to minimize this is to essentially ignore them. We love the way the <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Property Brothers</a> placed the armchair directly in front of the door to define this end of the living room. They also decorated the wall behind the sofa to balance the space. Note how high they hung the floating shelves - this keeps the living room and its seating area the focal point. Here's a peek at the rest of <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/this-modern-rustic-home-is-an-outdoor-lovers-dream-1897042/#currentSlide=1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this outdoorsy living space</a>.Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealAngle Shot
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -While not especially small, this small living room is tricky space-wise thanks to its bank of glass doors and windows on an angled wall. An ingenious way to minimize this is to essentially ignore them. We love the way the <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Property Brothers</a> placed the armchair directly in front of the door to define this end of the living room. They also decorated the wall behind the sofa to balance the space. Note how high they hung the floating shelves - this keeps the living room and its seating area the focal point. Here's a peek at the rest of <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/this-modern-rustic-home-is-an-outdoor-lovers-dream-1897042/#currentSlide=1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this outdoorsy living space</a>.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG PhotoSource: www.dsgphoto.com
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Seating Plan
13/20Seating Plan
13/20Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Who says you need a sofa in a small living room? Two sleek seats, like these textured slipper chairs, are practical options that keep the floor plan open and airy. A round area rug, coffee table, stool and pendant light further the informal mood and act as foils to the room's square footprint. Draw inspiration from the rest of this <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/a-cramped-fixer-upper-is-transformed-into-a-stunning-modern-showpiece-1906436">timeless-meets-modern home</a>.Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealSeating Plan
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -Who says you need a sofa in a small living room? Two sleek seats, like these textured slipper chairs, are practical options that keep the floor plan open and airy. A round area rug, coffee table, stool and pendant light further the informal mood and act as foils to the room's square footprint. Draw inspiration from the rest of this <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/a-cramped-fixer-upper-is-transformed-into-a-stunning-modern-showpiece-1906436">timeless-meets-modern home</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Area Code
14/20Area Code
14/20Photo Credit: John Phillips
Many older spaces (<a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/a-run-down-100-year-old-toronto-home-is-transformed-into-a-sun-dappled-urban-oasis-1898911/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">like this 100-year-old Toronto home</a>) are renovated to feature an open floor plan. It's a design that's conducive to modern living, but one that can be hard to decorate. A simple solution is to demarcate a small space with an area rug. We love this one both for its pattern and colour, but especially the way it's placed directly against the wall – a visual trick that makes the area look like a proper room off the "hallway" leading to the dining room and kitchen.Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealArea Code
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -Many older spaces (<a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/a-run-down-100-year-old-toronto-home-is-transformed-into-a-sun-dappled-urban-oasis-1898911/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">like this 100-year-old Toronto home</a>) are renovated to feature an open floor plan. It's a design that's conducive to modern living, but one that can be hard to decorate. A simple solution is to demarcate a small space with an area rug. We love this one both for its pattern and colour, but especially the way it's placed directly against the wall – a visual trick that makes the area look like a proper room off the "hallway" leading to the dining room and kitchen.Photo Credit: John Phillips
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Geometry Lessons
15/20Geometry Lessons
15/20Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Sometimes more is more, especially in small spaces. A masterful mix of furnishings and accessories – from the carpet and cushions to the angled floating shelves – infuses interest into this otherwise plain space. And while we love exposed brick, if it and the other walls were left unadorned, the small living room would feel like a tiny basement rather than a dynamic space brimming with visual interest from every angle.Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealGeometry Lessons
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -Sometimes more is more, especially in small spaces. A masterful mix of furnishings and accessories – from the carpet and cushions to the angled floating shelves – infuses interest into this otherwise plain space. And while we love exposed brick, if it and the other walls were left unadorned, the small living room would feel like a tiny basement rather than a dynamic space brimming with visual interest from every angle.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Decor Score
16/20Decor Score
16/20Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
Every part of this small living room is furnished which is, paradoxically, why it doesn't look cluttered. There's a lot going on here: a full-sized sofa, chairs flanking the fireplace, a wooden chest, artwork and more. Yet, all of these conspire to create a decorated tableau that you'd expect to find in a large home rather than in a small space like this apartment (check out the <a href="https://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/80s-glam-meets-palm-springs-at-this-trendy-and-frugal-apartment-makeover-1901470/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">entire glam makeover here</a>).Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealDecor Score
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -Every part of this small living room is furnished which is, paradoxically, why it doesn't look cluttered. There's a lot going on here: a full-sized sofa, chairs flanking the fireplace, a wooden chest, artwork and more. Yet, all of these conspire to create a decorated tableau that you'd expect to find in a large home rather than in a small space like this apartment (check out the <a href="https://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/80s-glam-meets-palm-springs-at-this-trendy-and-frugal-apartment-makeover-1901470/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">entire glam makeover here</a>).Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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Big Time
17/20Big Time
17/20Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
An oversized armchair and lamps play with scale and give this small room a spacious countenance. The light walls, window coverings and upholstery have an airy effect, and we like the way symmetry was shunned here – there is just one of everything and each item is positioned in a way that's practical for relaxing and entertaining.Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealBig Time
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -An oversized armchair and lamps play with scale and give this small room a spacious countenance. The light walls, window coverings and upholstery have an airy effect, and we like the way symmetry was shunned here – there is just one of everything and each item is positioned in a way that's practical for relaxing and entertaining.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Wraparound Welcome
18/20Wraparound Welcome
18/20Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
It's not surprising that this inviting space was designed by Scott McGillivray. As a pro, he sees beyond what most would deem not even a room, more of an awkward area with an off-centre window. By adding a sectional, he enveloped the room with ample seating and gave it purpose (it's now a snug TV room). An area rug further defines the space, and we love how he used tables here – the bar tray table is welcoming and helps form an official entryway to the open room.Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealWraparound Welcome
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -It's not surprising that this inviting space was designed by Scott McGillivray. As a pro, he sees beyond what most would deem not even a room, more of an awkward area with an off-centre window. By adding a sectional, he enveloped the room with ample seating and gave it purpose (it's now a snug TV room). An area rug further defines the space, and we love how he used tables here – the bar tray table is welcoming and helps form an official entryway to the open room.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Shades of Grey
19/20Shades of Grey
19/20Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
A focal wall is an easy and fun way to transform a small living room. This one works especially well as the grey paint is a lively contrast to the white floating shelves and all they display. By echoing the neutral palette of the furniture and rug, the wall complements the space while adding depth and interest.Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealShades of Grey
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -A focal wall is an easy and fun way to transform a small living room. This one works especially well as the grey paint is a lively contrast to the white floating shelves and all they display. By echoing the neutral palette of the furniture and rug, the wall complements the space while adding depth and interest.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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True Blue
20/20True Blue
20/20Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Is it stating the obvious to say that a white sofa would get lost here? Maybe, but it's important to remember that all small spaces need at least one statement piece. A bold blue sofa is a smart choice here (and especially lovely at twilight when this photo was taken). It's not only a definitive focal point, but also a source for colour inspiration – see how nicely its hue is interpreted in the area rug, cushions and vase. Not much more is needed and because of that, this room appears much larger than it is.Living Rooms20 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealTrue Blue
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -Is it stating the obvious to say that a white sofa would get lost here? Maybe, but it's important to remember that all small spaces need at least one statement piece. A bold blue sofa is a smart choice here (and especially lovely at twilight when this photo was taken). It's not only a definitive focal point, but also a source for colour inspiration – see how nicely its hue is interpreted in the area rug, cushions and vase. Not much more is needed and because of that, this room appears much larger than it is.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
